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Proposed Mosque Draws Controversy In Plymouth Township

Proposed site of a new mosque in Plymouth Township. (credit: Mike Campbell/WWJ)

PLYMOUTH TWP. (WWJ) – A proposed mosque is not wanted in western Wayne County — according to some area residents who are campaigning against the project.

The Muslim place of worship would be built on a piece of now-vacant land south of 5 Mile Road and east of Pilot Dr., between Beck and Sheldon roads in Plymouth Township.

It’s a mixed use area, according to WWJ’s Mike Campbell, who shot a video clip of the site. Currently zoned for industrial use, the lot in question is surrounded by commercial, industrial or vacant properties — with no homes in site.

So what’s the grievance?

“It’s the traffic problem — that’s probably the biggest problem…and possibly the noise?” said Caroline, who didn’t give her last name.

“We want our privacy here,” added another local resident, who said he considers it a residential area.

Caroline and her husband are among those who plan to attend a Plymouth Township Planning Commission meeting next week during which an application for use of the land is scheduled to be considered.

Flyers urging people to attend the “all important” meeting to express their concerns about the building of the mosque were found in mailboxes Friday. A letter, with the headline “Stop The Mosque In Plymouth,” provides a rundown of worship services and other activities planned for the facility, noting that a traffic volume of 100 to 125 vehicles is expected for the Friday noon service. It’s attached to a public hearing notice issued by the planning commission.

A phone number is provided for those who wish to comment but are unable to attend.